Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: Clawhammer and Old-Time Styles Forum Feed

how is your banjo tuned for "Shady Grove"?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:14:39 CST

How is your banjo tuned for "Shady Grove"?

Any Hope For A Leftie?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:55:48 CST

Hi,

I'm a leftie that plays a right handed banjo. I know it's been done before, and I haven't seen many, but I've only seen two finger picking.

Is there any hope that I could actually play anything that resembles clawhammer?

I currently frail with my index finger (bum) and use my middle finger to strum/play another note then pull up on the fifth string (ditty).

Double thumbing is a weird one for me but I think if I incorporate my thumb on the 1st string I might get something that resembles it eventually.

Polly.

OT banjo Skype instruction clearinghouse thread!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 15:18:31 CST

I have seen folks periodically mention in various threads that they either take banjo lessons via Skype (or similar online "calling" services) or provide instruction of this nature, but I thought that a clearinghouse thread specifically concerning this topic might prove helpful at this point. If such a thread already exists and I have missed it, please forgive my oversight...but I have looked, honestly!

Skype instruction is something that I have been offering for a couple of years now, and I find it to be surprisingly effective for self-motivated people who already possess some kind of banjo foundation and are looking to move forward, but do not have access to a local instructor. I am reluctant to teach folks to play completely from scratch using this format, as I feel that one-on-one, in-person contact is much more likely than distance learning to establish a workable foundation, but I have worked successfully via Skype with people who knew how to execute little more than the basic clawhammer pattern (call it bump-ditty if you like; I prefer to not argue over semantics in this thread!), and very roughly at that.

So, here is my bottom line: I offer Skype instruction! I have a roster of students at a variety of levels, taking lessons from me at a number of different scheduling intervals, all of whom are progressing in exciting ways! Who else on the Hangout offers this kind of instruction (since this is the old-time forum, let's limit this particular conversation to non-bluegrass approaches to the banjo--but clawhammer and old-time fingerstyles are all fair game)? Who has taken lessons via Skype? Please feel free to share your thoughts on the subject!

Cheers,

Adam Hurt

www.adamhurt.com

www.cdbaby.com/artist/adamhurt

-regular or one-time lessons available, in person or via Skype; please contact me for details

Molly 'Vamping' - ear and eye training

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 14:52:28 CST

A subject thread posted a few days ago, which included a video of Molly Tuttle playing Graveyard on her banjo, brought to my attention how nice it would be to, at least from time to time make use of a banjo instructor. Because sometimes I'll see and hear some technique - or maybe not even a technique really but just simply playing simple moves really well that I can't figure out by watching and listening. For whatever reason, I can't quite see how the sound coming out of her banjo is being accomplished at certain points in the song. Such is the case at the section on Graveyard where Molly is sort of vamping (I know that's not the right description) on her banjo as she sings. I've watched and watched, and I've listened and listened, but I just can't make out how she is getting the sounds out of her banjo at the various parts of the song where she is singing. Especially when she is singing the elongated notes, such as when she sings, graveyard, and when she sings, you can hear the whistle blow...

I know that that is probably a fairly simple action she is playing there, but I'm missing something, because I'm not finding it on my banjo? I'm pretty sure that she is in A, including the fifth string being tuned to A. So, if someone could explain how she is getting that bouncy vamping type of sound, I'd appreciate that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=61q8RoLGYzI#!

Brush video

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:13:51 CST

Hi,

Can anyone recommend an URL to a video showing how the Clawhammer brush is played?

As a banjo beginner, I particularly want to know whether the bent fingers are actually moved during a brush...

Thanks,

When Sorrows Encompass Me Round

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:09:39 CST

Hi everyone

I wanted to comment that when people adapt Tommy Jarrell's version of When Sorrows Encompass Me Round, it always seems to lean more to the minor chords then it does when Tommy plays it. Every. single. time.

From this I can only conclude that he is using more major chords and a melody that is very very tricky and that it's very hard for people's ears to pick up and identify, We have a different idea in mind of what chords to normally use, and I've yet to hear anyone play it with the same edge to the harmonies/melody as the way he did. I think everyone is getting a few little places in the melody off by half a note or less than half a note.

Thoughts? I'm working on this song myself and when the results come out I'll put them on here.

"cold frosty morn" is the song that bump started all this for me

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 01:09:53 CST

about where is that song in a students progression? is it a very advanced song to learn-so far, its the 'one' i want to know and play well.

capo's for a banjo-Ramsey Standard specifically

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 23:32:31 CST

so what is a preferred capo for a Ramsey standard?

haven't saw it yet, but i understand it has something of a soft V neck shape

thanks

"A" Scale banjos

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 18:30:04 CST

I might have asked this question before but I have a question. When one has an A Scale banjo, does one tune the strings to an open G and capo up to be in A? Do you tune all the strings up one note and play in open A?

Looking for an Instructor in London, Ontario, Canada

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 16:44:15 CST

Does anyone know of an instructor near London, Ontario who teaches clawhammer or 3 finger? This old guy needs some help. Thanks

Looking for lessons in Madison WI

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 08:28:42 CST

I have no music background but want to learn Clawhammer and old time dancing numbers. Anyone in Madison who does basic lessons?

Clifton Hicks - Cumberland Gap

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 22:04:51 CST

Hey guys,

I was wondering if y'all could help me figure out how Clifton is playing his primary high-to-low roll or however you want to call it in his Lee Sexton-esque two finger thumb lead version of Cumberland Gap in the following link. It starts at around :11 in the video and he does it frequently thereafter. Originally I thought it was like 3 pull offs in a row, 3-0 first string with the index, 2-0 second string with the thumb, 2-0 third string with the thumb, and then the bass string at the third fret with the thumb, but I think he does it differently (and much better than that).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLt7TFOtFog&feature=related

Thanks!

Trying to start an OT jam in Williamsburg, VA

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 19:05:16 CST

I am interested in trying to start an old time jam in Williamsburg, VA. Anyone on BHO interested? I know of one or two other banjo players who would come, but we could use some other instruments as well. Fiddle, guitar, mandolin, anyone? Any skill level welcome.

Give me a shout if you are interested. Looking to start with one, or maybe two, meetings a month.

Can you check out my progress please?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 15:42:57 CST

Hi all,

I've had my hands on my new banjo for about 8 days now (got it earlier but went away for a while and couldn't take the banjo)....so after keeping up with the basic technique every night, i need it looking at to see if it's going ok?

Things that i think could improve are the consistancy of the technique, and obviously starting to use other strings on the strike as it sounds pretty samey at the moment. Also, i feel like i'm catching my thumb on the top string a lot, like it's getting stuck. Is this just a case of me getting the thumb to rest on top of the string rather than catching it behind it? Does it even sound like a bum ditty? I can't really tell whilst i'm playing it, but it sounds better to me when i watch it back.

As for the technique, i'm not using a knocking motion so i see on there, does that matter?

Anyway, heres the vid....be brutal please...i have broad shoulders.

Thanks,

Calv.

bridge problem

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:56:44 CST

Where should the bridge be placed? If i move the bridge in to the center of the skin and play a A on the 3 string for example. The A will be very high but not the other string! Why?

I want to have more softly sound by place the bridge in center. Any Ideas?

Kicking the TABS habit...

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:01:04 CST

I am sadly a TABS addict and really want to get away from paper.

Especially as I want to play in jams and am currently useless on any song I have not totally memorized before hand..

I - and I suspect others as well - would enjoy and benefit from reading stories how people successfully made the transition from being TAB dependent to playing 'by ear' in one form or another.

Specifically:

What tactics did you employ to make the transition?

What degree of 'playing by ear' did you achieve? (Do you now just hear a song at a jam and jump in after a few seconds? Or do you still need someone to walk you through the fingerings for a while before you get it?)

How long was your transition process?

In retrospect, any key pieces of advice to share? If you could go back in time and speak to your former TAB dependent self, what would you tell him or her?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom!

Epi

starting out

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 01:51:57 CST

Hi everyone

I started learning clawhammer style banjo a few months ago and so far have learnt to play:

cripple creek, wildwood flower, foggy takedown (from ezfolk tabs which are excellent)

I've tried duelling banjo's but am finding it too difficult so far.

Can anyone suggest good songs to learn next. I'm a bit overwhelmed by there being so many tabs on this site for clawhammer and don't know where to look first.

Thanks

Jereme

Poll: which banjo sounds better?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:13:41 CST

Attached are two samples of me playing two banjos I own. I'm curious to know which sound you prefer. Please reply indicating which sample you like. If you like, please describe why you chose the one you did.

I'd like to get responses without telling you what the banjos are first. (If you're curious you can probably figure it out by looking at my profile, but PLEASE VOTE FIRST, so as not to influence your objective opinion.)

Later I'll post what the banjos are. Again, I'd like objective opinions, so please do not post guesses!

Thanks!

Electronic Tuners: Fer or Agin?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 18:18:02 CST

When you go to a jam nowadays, just about everybody has a clip-on tuner. Most likely, it's a Snark -- a cheap little device that has taken the world by storm.

I'm too new to jamming to remember a time when people didn't use tuners. I've been told that everyone just tuned up to the fiddler. If the fiddler went sharp or flat, everyone adjusted to him/her -- often on the fly, in the middle of tune.

When everyone has a clip-on tuner, everyone can tweak between tunes and everyone is more or less in tune. In theory, anyway.

What are your thoughts about the prevalence of electronic tuners? Personally, I like 'em.

do any of you use artificial nails on your picking finger?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:54:43 CST

watching the clearhead video at zepps, i thought to myself playing could tear up a persons nail quick-do any of you use anything over your natural nail?

a lot of fingerstyle guitarists do, i don't as i play only with the fingertips-by choice.

thanks

just starting clawhammer/frailing-some questions?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 13:09:51 CST

Hi folks

new here,first post. probably the usual routine questions.

fingerstyle guitarist highly interested in learning frailing/clawhammer. this desire occurred over a couple years period of hearing people play neat songs with clawhammer. this video set it off in rabid speed last week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExYuSFC1G8Q&feature=related

i've been in study of a celtic folksinger gutiarist, Martin Simpson. he uses banjo and frailing at times and its wonderful-so all this is part of my journey. after hearing the above video, i put a post on the acoustic guitar forum requesting direction. i was given return to this forum, and to Zepps music. after discussing my thoughts with Marc at zepps, i put a deposit on this:

http://zeppmusic.com/Ubanjos/Standard_9l121601/standard_9l121601.htm

i live in southwest Virginia, 30 minutes from ralph stanley and carter fold(different directions). kinda right in the middle of bluegrass appalachian hub. i'm sure i can find a teacher for clawhammer. i'm middle aged with a busy job and busy family, so i do desire being able to study at home also. i've been looking around researching and the study material i've found that i think sounds like its good is two different men: Ken Perlman and Dan Levenson. i'm sure i'll end up buying books and DVD's of both, but is there a preferred one to start with?

I know absolutely nothing about banjo. i do know i'm not interested in bluegrass style or the scruggs picking so to speak. i really love the sound and the style of clawhammer.

any information/direction highly appreciated. i am not planning on performing in a group or singing-simply playing for myself(and driving my wife, kids, dogs, cats crazy). and i find myself drawn to modal tunings in guitar and other instruments. i do read tabs, i do like books, DVD, and real teachers. i am not musically bred, but will practice and hope for the best. time takes care of the rest.

daryl

Advice on using "Clawhammer Banjo from scratch" needed.

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 06:47:08 CST

Hi Everyone,

After being away from the banjo I'm back where I left off, which is learning Clawhammer from scratch by Dan Levenson. I've gone right back to learning the basic double thumb version of the 1st song but what I am not sure is whether I should be learning all versions for each song before going to the next and learning it's 3 versions and so on until all 12 song are complete.

Well, I hope that makes a little sense to someone and thanks for reading.

regards,

Jack

Resources/advice getting started with 2 finger style

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 19:19:40 CST

I've pretty much only ever played clawhammer but after listening to Morgan Sexton I am inspired to try to learn some two-finger playing. Especially that two-finger playing in sawmill tuning has that sound that really brings me back to why I picked up the banjo in the first place. Does anyone have pointers to resources for getting started in two-finger land?

Great example of clawhammer on a "flathead" resonator banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:56:08 CST

Every one or two month here on the BHO the question pops up if you can (or are allowed) to play clawhammer on a resonator banjo. The answer is always "yes" with lots of historic examples. I very much like this example, Molly Tuttle clawhammering a Mastertone-type flathead banjo, a Huber I believe. Shows how well also such a banjo is suited for this kind of playing.

Looking for teacher in Bradenton/Sarasota

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:10:21 CST

Any help appreciated in finding a teacher in the Bradenton/Sarasota FL area. Will be there for a few weeks and would like to connect with a teacher to go over some technique. Self taught and doing OK but want to have someone to review.

TOTW 02-03-2012 Jenny Get Around

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:04:52 CST

I’ve chosen Jenny Get Around for this installment of TOTW.

From the Fiddler’s Companion:

JENNY GET AROUND. Old-Time, Song and Breakdown. USA, Kentucky. A Major. AEae tuning. AABB. Jeff Titon (2001) says the tune is related to one of the “Liza Jane” melody types, and points out similarities between the ‘A’ part of “Jenny Get Around” and the ‘B’ part of Clyde Davenport’s “Liza Jane.” Mark Wilson points out relationships between “Jenny…” and the “Sugar Hill” tune family. Titon calls it a regional eastern Kentucky tunes and finds it listed twice on the Berea, Kentucky, tune lists of 1915. It is often sung, with banjo accompaniment and was collected as a song by John and Alan Lomax, appearing in their book Our Singing Country (1941, pgs. 63-65). Source for notated version: John M. Salyer (Salyersville, Magoffin County, Ky., 1941) [Titon]. Titon (Old-Time Kentucky Fiddle Music), 2001; No. 74, pg. 103. Berea College Appalachian Center AC003, “John M. Salyer: Home Recordings 1941-1942, vol. 2” (1993).

Jenny Get Around is included in recent tab collections / instructional books by Levenson (Old Time Festival Tunes) and Lunceford (Drop-Thumb 21 Clawhammer Banjo Solos). An internet tab is here .

Jenny Get Around is usually considered an Eastern Kentucky banjo tune but most recent recordings, tabs and performances follow John Salyer’s 1941 home fiddle recording.

The Wolf Collection of Ozark music has two performances of Jenny Get Around. I particularly like the second version because it reminds me of how I heard it played in Kentucky years ago. Nothing subtle, just bang the hell out of it.

There are some fine modern performances on the web:

The original Salyer fiddle recording and a banjo takeoff can be heard at the Clawhammer Tune of the Day .

Walt Koken and Clare Milliner play a great duet on the Old Time Herald web page .

Bill Boyer has a low tuned version on his blog.

So here it is, quick and dirty, but a fun tune none the less

Quick and dirty Tune Of The Week needed

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:00:42 CST

It's looking like the scheduled TOTW contributor isn't going to contribute a tune this week.

So if anyone would like to post one, go for it. We're not expecting award-winning research, just a tune to discuss.

Got one? If so, just post it. But make sure nobody beat you to it.

In praise of Stringbean

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:18:31 CST

Stringbean - Pretty Polly - YouTube

Stringbean - Wake Up Little Betty

I've been watching Mr Akeman on the youtube today and consider me impressed. I know some are put off by his clownish stage persona and I can understand that. But man that guy could pick! I hope to be able to play with the same drive and power as the above links demonstrate.

walt koken grey eagle

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:35:13 CST

i ve just discovered Walt Koken and want to learn his version of grey eagle as best i can. i m not ready to try and make up my own versions of tunes yet . problem is i have a scoop so cant play the high part. so what can i do ..... can i copy the high notes lower down the neck and then still go back up to the part he starts at the 11 th fret and still do that bit or would it not work that way. sorry dont know how to link the you tube video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-hJ3aDe5ey . i d appreciate any advice with the arrangement thanks all........................doh. i suppose playing without the capo might help

Diary of a 71 year Old Newbie

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:34:29 CST

After all the encouragement I got from lots of you about maybe being too old to learn to play the banjo, I decided WHY NOT TRY !!! I ordered a Savannah SB100 left-handed banjo from The BanjoHut and it arrived in the mail yesterday. My gosh; what a beautiful looking instrument it is and the construction looks excellent!!!!! The only minor problem was that the bridge had moved slightly but a quick call to The BanjoHut and they told me about loosening the strings and the proper measuring distance to place it exactly where it should sit. Anyway I received my tuner also yesterday; an Intellitouch PT-10, and was able to quickly tune the strings. I spent 2 hours total working on the clawhammer technique from Patrick Costello's youtube "Frailing". I just love the "tinny twanging" sound of the banjo.My little Dauchsand, Winnie, lays on the floor beside me and I think she likes the banjo sounds too. A few years back when my kids were young we drove through the Blue Ridge Mountains and I never forgot the feeling that I had somehow been there a long time ago before the trip. (Maybe in a past life I was an Appalacian mountain man???). I can see I have to put in a lot of time practicing but I am really excited at this point.

Stay tuned and I hope this isn't too boring.

Andy

Clawhammer course in Sydney, Australia

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 06:14:20 CST

Hi all,

just to let you know that I'll be running another clawhammer course at the Nepean Community College, Penrith NSW commencing on the 14th February.

The course goes for 8 x 2 hour weekly lessons, covering different tunings, left and right hand techniques and progressing from basic to intermediate versions of tunes.

To book contact the Nepean Community College:

http://www.ncc.nsw.edu.au/index.htm

A search for 'banjo' will give you some more info, or you can contact me direct.

regards

Richard Galluzzi

Speed of Tune

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:43:38 CST

I was wondering why there is so much empahsis on speed. Is it because you are following the fiddler and old time music was designed to be played fast for audience expectations or dancing, etc. The reason I ask is because I notice that sometimes when I slow a tune down there is a richness of tone....clear sound of slides, bends etc. that I experience. I pick up nuances in the melody that I don't always hear when things are going really fast....note: I have an extremely untrained ear but this has been my experience. Rick

BAD Habits of a Mandolin player learning to play Clawhammer BANJO

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:08:37 CST

How does the basic melody fit into the "Bum ditty" strum?!!

I've been practicing the basic Bum ditty a few weeks now, and I've got it down fairly well (at slow tempo). But I cannot, for the life of me!, figure out how to apply it to a tune!!

As a mandolin player, all I want to do is pick out the melody with index finger down strokes. Consequently, I only play the 4 full length strings -- never can hear where thumbing the high-drone short string could fit in. Or how to do the bum ditty and make it sound like the melody.

Seems like there's a totally different mindset to playing clawhammer banjo! Any advice from mandolin and successful banjo players here?

Lessons in Cincinnati?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:07:21 CST

Hello Everyone! My name is Amanda and I'm new to the banjo world. I've spent about 4 months looking into the different styles of playing and have decided that I want to start out by learning Clawhammer and Old-Time styles. I've looked around on the internet for lessons but I would really really really appreciate recommendations for a teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio. Thanks so much for your time!

Cheers,
Amanda

Alternate string pull-offs

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:06:01 CST

I've been learning Mike Iverson's lovely arrangement of Angeline The Baker (sound file) (tab) in which there are several places he plays an open 2nd string followed by an ASPO on an open 1st string. When playing the tune by ear, my natural instinct in this case is to play the same note as a second string second fret hammer-on instead. I rarely use ASPOs except in cases in which it is the only reasonable way to sound a particular note, perhaps because I'm a relatively new player and not super comfortable with the technique yet. I'd like to hear from more experienced players as to why one might might prefer to use an ASPO instead of a hammer-on when the same note pair could be reasonably played either way. Do you prefer the way it sounds? Does it depend on the fingering flow of what follows? Just chocolate vs vanilla? Other thoughts?

Need advice on right-hand technique...

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:09:01 CST

Greetings everyone. This is my first thread-starter.

I'm a beginner learning how to play the banjo clawhammer-style. Fairly new to this wonderful forum as well. Without going into my trials & tribulations, as well as fun and progress of my journey so far, I will get straight to the problem I'm having. When playing single notes with my finger (right-hand index), I struggle to consistently hit a clear note when striking any given string. That said, the 2nd and 3rd strings are more troublesome than the 1st and 4th. The problem is worse if I'm trying to play with drop-thumb, but it exists even without drop-thumb playing. It may be difficult to describe the actual problem, but it seems as though my finger inadvertently mutes the string it just played...in other words, I'll strike the string but the pad of the finger will sometimes not get out of the way and mutes the note. Or other times, as the fingernail strikes the string, it sort of "slides off" the string without producing much sound. I am hoping some folks out here in BHO world has addressed this problem before in others or themselves and can pass along advice. So far, I've tried slowing down, changing the angle of attack and changing the shape of the curl of the fingers, but haven't stumbled upon a good fix yet. Perhaps the answer is that accuracy will come with many more hours of practice. Just seems like I would be seeing less and less of the problem at this point.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Where to Begin?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 06:59:15 CST

If I'm learning banjo primarily to accompany myself singing (mostly folk songs and children's songs), what books, websites, etc... would be the best place to start learning to play? Thanks!

Roscoe Holcomb - Sugar Baby

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:17:31 CST

Hello folks,

I came across some of Roscoe's tunes the other day after a long period of time, and I've always liked Roscoe's two-finger version of "Sugar Baby". I might be wrong, but I think Dock Boggs and Roscoe played this tune in the same tuning.

I would really like to study and analyze Roscoe's style, and I was curious if maybe someone would like to help me with a PDF of Roscoe's "Sugar Baby".

Here's a really nice audio clip, and it is the version I like most. Thank you very much.

"Sugar Baby" ~ Roscoe Holcomb

~Craig

New Scoop On Goodtime

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:53:08 CST

I promised I would add photos when I completed scoop. Thanks to BigRedWarEagle for step-by-step instructions. I took quite a bit of the wood down with belt sander and then the rest by hand. 50, 80, 150, 220, 320 grit sandpaper with sanding block. Came out very smooth so I just used a little Johnson paste wax to bring out sheen and protect wood. Filled the small hole that Zepp always talks about with the end of a Remington 7mm cartridge....what can I say I live in Montana. Did not take the neck off...however I did remove the j-hooks on either side of the neck to give more room to sand...Rick

Gainesville FL jam anyone?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:36:39 CST

I'm new to banjo but improving quickly and would love a jam somewhere in North FL but preferably Gainesville.

Best strings for Clawhammer

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:42:28 CST

I have been playing light banjo strings like D'Addario J57's or GHS PF150's. I am starting to think the sound is too thin. Any recommendations on a medium or heavy string set for Clawhammer?

"Drop Thumb" With Extra Finger (Not Thumb)?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:48:30 CST

I'm six months into clawhammer and -- probably a slow learner -- am just beginning to add drop-thumb notes. From the beginning, I used my 2nd finger as the frailing finger, although for double-stops the ring finger sometimesr likes to pick down simultaneously. But now, as I'm bringing the thumb down to catch those tricky little 8th note "double thumb" notes and fill out the sound, just like you good players do, I'm noticing that somebody's not pulling his weight. There's my index finger, riding along and doing nothing. So I'm wondering why this unused finger couldn't step in and get the drop-thumb notes (or at least some of them sometimes) by picking UP in alternation to the 2nd finger's nail driving DOWN on the downbeats. I wouldn't say it comes naturally, exactly (in fact, it's still very awkward, like any new thing), but after the frailing nail has picked DOWN, the extra finger can pick its UP note without making a large movement, since the hand is already rising. Thus, there's the potential for efficiency.

I've experimented enough to see that the technique might eventually go smoothly. Does anybody add "drop thumb" notes this way? The obvious questions: What's the point? What's to be gained? Well, the technique leaves the thumb free to stay on the 5th string or to explore other possibilities; but what those possibilities might be... at this point I couldn't say. Maybe I'd find the finger would catch drop-thumb notes merely in some cases and the thumb would still do the lion's share.

I'm not advocating, just asking. Again: does anybody play this way?

Riley

Books DVDs for Clawhammer

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:13:32 CST

I'm sort of a newbie at Clawhammer and I was looking for recommendations on instruction books/DVDs.

I've got a musical back round with guitar and uke, I'm looking for technique and such.

Thanks!

E tuning- learning chord positions

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:59:37 CST

Hello,

As I try to learn some new tunes with my banjo tuned to a John Hartford style E tuning (E B E Ab B)- I find myself wasting lots of time trying to figure out new basic chord positions.... I know I should be better at this but I'm not... any tricks?

Are there any chord position charts for other tunings besides G?

Thanks for the advice!!

thoughts on 12" open backs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:50:18 CST

I play clawhammer and prefer open back banjos. I heard a Goldtone BC-120 and like its bassy thunk. Are there any other options in the $500 - $700 range? What about the difference in pot/head size?

How fast does your bum ditty need to be? (eventually)

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:03:32 CST

Hi all,

Just starting with the basics of clawhammer, so the past couple of days have been getting used to the right hand technique. I am kind of getting there, but i wondered that like with the rolls rolls of Scruggs style, will i have to learn this until i can do it at speed?

I ask because the technique feels very awkward at the moment, as though i won't be able to do it that fast at all. It's the bit where i strum after the first finger strike on the string. I hit the string, then the raising of the fingers to strum before the thumb pluck on the top string.....it just doesn't feel like theres enough time there to get a fast action going.

I know i have to start slow, and i'm fine with that....i actually really enjoy the slow practice, but i just wondered if its just a case of me getting used to the technique and it will gradually get faster or do i actually ever need it to be fast?

Thanks,

Calv.

Towards that distant glow, a song I wrote

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:45:38 CST

I wanted to share the new song I wrote with everyone here on BHO. You have all been so very helpful whenever I've had any issues with my playing, wether it's setup or technique I've acquired some invaluable info from everyone here.

I live on an island with a population of 6 so I didn't have anyone to turn to for advice till Ifound BHO, thanks everyone.

Let me know what you think of my new song! It was pretty exciting to play live for the first time.

I've never been very successful with putting links on here so if you'd like to check it out just do a search on Youtube for "most talented group at the pender talent show #4"

I didn't put the title,

file:///Users/joshualandry/Desktop/most%20talented%20group%20at%20the%20pender%20talent%20show%20%234.webloc

Different strings...different loudness.......

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:37:56 CST

When I'm playing and striking the 1st or 2nd string, I get a loud plucking sound. When I hit the 3rd string it's not and loud and when I hit the 4th string I get a real muffled sound.What am I doing wrong and how do I get as loud a sound on the 4th string as I do on the 1st? I'm playing a whyte lady 250+ which has a loud plucky sound.

Tab help

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:09:30 CST

Hello All, I am using the tab from failing the 5 string banjo and working on John Hardy.

There is one part I can't seem to get down, wondering if anyone could explain how to play it though

or even better yet send me a sound file of how it should sound, I find that once I hear it I can get it.

I'm playing it middle finger 3rd, then hitting the first with the same finger(My middle finger is my picking finger)

then into a brush,

see pdf below

Thank you for any advice

Just added a frailing scoop to my new Goodtime

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:05:10 CST

Frailing Scoop

I just added a frailing scoop to my new-to-me Goodtime. I am pretty proud of what I did even though it scared me to death to make that first cut! I am very glad I did, though, because it looks great and I'm able to play above the neck a lot easier now.

Fun times!!!